De Leila (Arabic Nightclub) - FX Sudirman

Update 24th October 2016: 17 Moroccan prostitutes were arrested in De Leila over the weekend, yet strangely no newspaper was mentioning the name of the club. This is the review I wrote about the venue in March 2016:

De Leila is an arabic nightclub located on the 8th floor of FX Sudirman, where Privé used to be. It is a popular party spot for tourists from the Middle East and particularly Saudis, Qatari and Emiratis. You have a few other nationalities such as Egyptians, Iranians, Turkish and Omanis. Even though most customers are Muslims, alcohol and prostitutes are widely available.

I had reviewed De Leila before when it was still in Putra Jasa on Jalan Gatot Subroto. You can see the original review here: De Leila Gatot Subroto.

Do you need a hotel near De Leila? Harris FX is walking distance and the price is affordable. You can compare the prices here: HotelsCombined.

The new De Leila was opened a year ago early 2015. It is still partly owned by the Ahmad Fahmy family (also behind Tanamur).

It is now more modern and spacious, with an upmarket feel. I have to warn you though that is a a place of prostitution, with at least 50 freelance working girls from Indonesia, China and Morocco (yes there are Moroccan prostitutes in Jakarta!). You will notice that many girls are plump while some are borderline obese. Many are very pretty though, better than in BATS, Blok M or CJs.

The music in De Leila is Arabic, either from their live band or from the DJ. It is best to book a sofa so you can enjoy the show with the best possible view. You can order shisha as well.

There is also a mezzanine with brand new pool tables and a second bar. There was no belly dancers when I visited but there are regular performances.

The entrance fee is Rp125,000 and it includes one free draught beer.

I shot this video inside of their beautiful and sexy belly dancer (apparently from Uzbekistan):

De Leila Arabic Nightclub

FX Mall Sudirman 8th Floor (You have a dedicated entrance in the lobby of FX)

Jalan Jendral Sudirman Pintu Satu Senayan

Jakarta 10270

Phone number: +6221 2555 4489

Email: claudyasti@yahoo.com

Facebook: Arab Bar Jakarta

Website: DeLeila

Opening Hours:

Every day from 7pm to 4am (from 5pm on Saturday and Sunday)

Istanbul Turkey Restaurant (Kemang, Ampera)

Istanbul Turkey is a Turkish Restaurant located on Jalan Ampera, not too far from Kemang. It was opened recently by a Turkish national who owns other venues in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The place gave me a very good first impression as it was mostly crowded with Middle-eastern people. It doesn't look very upmarket, but it is authentic, clean and comfortable.

I tried the Iskender Meat Lamb and Beef (135,000rp). It found it was excellent, but I couldn't tell you how the original dish is supposed to taste like since I never had it before.

Iskender Lamb and Beef

As there were many Turkish customers, I imagine it must be pretty authentic.

There is Live Music (Arab and Turkish) with Belly Dancers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night. They also have all kinds of Shishas.

Overall: Istanbul Turkey is a cheaper alternative to Turkuaz or Anatolia if you are looking for Authentic Turkish food in Jakarta.

Istanbul Turkey Turkish Restaurant Jakarta
Jalan Ampera Raya No. 7 

Kemang , Jakarta, Indonesia 12560

Phone number: +62-21 78836363

Email: istanbulturkeycafe@gmail.com

Website: http://www.istanbulturkeyrestaurant.com
Facebook: Istanbul Jakarta

Beer Brother Bar and Kitchen Kemang

Beer Brother Bar + Kitchen is located in Taman Kemang, a residential area of Kemang which has seen a recent surge in bars and restaurants. This new nightlife area comprises Umbra, Cowboy Bar, Parc 19, and the Colony Building.

Beer Brother opened about a year ago and it has managed to become successful rapidly. It is quite similar with other joints such as Bremer or Beer Garden, but there are a few notable differences: The design and marketing of the bar is more sophisticated and original, the music louder, and the choice of food and drinks really extensive (the menu must have 25 pages). The prices are not that cheap though except for basic beer.

I was there just before a Champion's League quarterfinal, on a Tuesday, and it was full with a crowd ranging from young expats to hip Indonesians and high school kids. Most people come with a big group.

I enjoyed my time there, but a few things could be improved: The service and cleanliness was too relaxed. The waiter just unloaded all the drinks at our table and left. We then had to sort out which ones were for who and to distribute them ourselves.

We also had a pizza which was really poor: Over salter and undercooked, even though the price was high (74k for a Margarita). Really not recommended for food.

Overall: Beer Brother is recommended to have a drink in a laidback, busy atmosphere. Do not go for food or if you expect something chic.

Beer Brother
Jalan Taman Kemang 2 No. 28
Kemang, South Jakarta

Phone: +62 (0) 817-170-799
Email beerbrotherkemang@hotmail.co.id

Website: http://www.beerbrotherkemang.com/
Twitter: Beer Brother Kemang Jakarta
Facebook: Beer Brother Bar and Pub

Opening Hours:

Everyday from until late. Happy hours from 4pm to 8pm.